RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As Buddhist communities across Indonesia celebrate the Tri Holy Vesak Day 2570 of the Buddhist Era, the national commemoration has become a profound showcase of interfaith harmony, constitutional commitment, and ancient spiritual heritage.

Amid global uncertainties, this year’s festivities emphasized a collective effort to uphold peace and cultural unity from the grassroots to the highest levels of governance.

The spiritual journey began with a sacred ritual at Umbul Jumprit spring in Tegalrejo Village, Temanggung, Central Java, on May 30.

Dozens of monks walked to the water source carrying earthenware jugs, filling them with holy water using shared ladles. Organized by the Indonesian Buddhist Community (Walubi), the procession drew hundreds of participants, including members of the sangha, novice monastics, and representatives from regional Buddhist councils.

Biksu Samanta Kusala Mahasthavira, chairman of the Indonesian Mahayana Buddhist Council, explained that the blessed water ritual is one of the most important elements of the Vesak cycle. “Blessed water signifies clarity, purity, and purity of thought. Humans must possess inner clarity to radiate universal love and positively impact all living beings,” he said in Temanggung, as quoted by Antara.

Around 100 sangha members from 15 Buddhist councils joined the prayers before retrieving the water. The blessed liquid was then transported to Mendut Temple in Magelang for enshrinement, before being carried in a grand carnival parade to Borobudur Temple, marking the pinnacle of the national Vesak celebrations.

In Jakarta, the central government echoed Vesak’s message with a strong call for solidarity and peace. Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, urged the public to embody the 2026 Vesak theme, “Dharma Menjaga Perdamaian Dunia” (Dharma Maintains World Peace), in daily life.

“Dharma is not just a teaching, but a light of life that guides humanity to remain steadfast in truth, morality, and wisdom amidst the dynamics of the times. This includes maintaining world peace,” Minister Nasaruddin said in his Vesak address on May 31.

The Minister, who also serves as Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, reaffirmed the state’s constitutional duty to protect religious freedom. “I have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that every citizen can perform their religious duties calmly and solemnly. At the same time, maintaining harmony is our shared responsibility as fellow citizens,” he declared.

He emphasized that compassion must remain the foundation of national unity. “Religion exists to humanize humanity. The wisdom taught by Buddhism aligns with universal humanitarian values that are the foundation of living together. Compassion must continue to be the primary foundation in maintaining national unity,” he concluded.

Parallel celebrations highlighted Indonesia’s pluralism. In Jakarta, the “Illumination of Jakarta, Glow of Peace” festival at Bundaran HI blended creative light installations with interfaith prayers. In Wanurejo, Borobudur, hundreds joined the Larung Pelita Purnama Sidhi ritual, where lanterns floated down the Progo River alongside traditional dances, symbolizing hope and enlightenment for all beings. ***